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Cremation vs. Burial - How to Decide Which is Best?

By: Ian Elliott

Friday, May 25, 2018

Both cremations and burials are legal and ancient methods for disposing of a body. People have been cremating their loved ones for thousands of years and burying them for even longer. Deciding which option is right for your loved one isn’t easy as there are several misconceptions regarding both options. At Arbutus Funeral Service, we recommend considering the points mentioned below before you decide:

1. Religious Preferences

The funeral and last rites are usually dictated by religion, which is why it is important to take this factor into account. Roman Catholics weren’t allowed to cremate their loved ones until the 1960s and it is still frowned upon to do so. Fundamentalist and Baptist orders don’t permit cremation while Methodist and Adventist orders allow it. Cremation is the traditional way for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs though there are some exceptions. It’s a good idea to consider the religious sentiments of all people involved before choosing an option.

2. Permanency

Cremation is permanent; once you burn the body down to ashes, there’s no reversing it. Buried bodies can be exhumed if needed, which is why cremation should be avoided if there are some legal or criminal factors involved. It’s also a good idea to avoid cremation if there’s some doubt about the decedent’s identity.

3. What Happens After Cremation/Burial?

Many people find visiting gravesites comforting and believe that can only be done if bodies are buried. You can have the option to bury a loved one’s ashes in a cemetery with a grave marker. In fact, there are special cemetery lots reserved just for this purpose. Some people store ashes in a columbarium or bury them in their garden.

Have any questions about cremation and related funeral services? Just contact us or give us a call (604) 888-9895. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.